TD launches The TD Ready Challenge to find innovative solutions to help prepare for the future

New technological innovations and online experiences are transforming the way we work. For some, that means the chance to do more in less time, the ability to offer new customer experiences and the capability to reshape industries.

But for many people, technological advancements spur concern around the future of work. A recent TD survey revealed that more than half of Canadians (53 per cent), and nearly two-thirds of Americans (63 per cent) admit that they would find it difficult to find a new job if their current job was lost due to advances in the digital age.

With that in mind, we have launched the TD Ready Challenge, an annual North American initiative that has ten $1 million (CDN) grants available to help charitable organizations expand new ideas. The TD Ready Challenge will help address a social challenge connected to the four areas within The Ready Commitment: Financial Security, a more Vibrant Planet, Connected Communities and Better Health.

Acting as a springboard for social innovation, the TD Ready Challenge will help forge relationships, test new ideas and surface solutions to emerging problems. In its inaugural year, the TD Ready Challenge will focus on financial security, seeking innovative solutions designed to help increase income stability and prepare people for the economy of the future

“TD wants to help open doors for people so they can more confidently move forward in a rapidly changing world and be prepared to seize the opportunities that come with accelerated shifts in how we work and live,” says Bharat Masrani, Group President and Chief Executive Officer, TD Bank Group.

“The TD Ready Challenge will help encourage new ways of thinking towards solutions that help foster greater income stability. We look forward to helping people and communities prepare for the future by providing financial support to eligible organizations with innovative solutions.”

TD will begin accepting applications for the TD Ready Challenge beginning June 4. Applications will be judged in two rounds by a panel of TD executives and external subject matter experts. The successful applicants of the TD Ready Challenge will be announced this fall.

Do you know of a charitable or non-profit organization that has an innovative idea to help people feel more financially confident? Learn more about the TD Ready Challenge here.

About the TD Survey

The TD survey also identified exclusion as a societal concern, with 34 per cent of Canadians and 28 per cent of Americans respondents not feeling included in their communities.

Environics Research conducted an online survey of 1,200 Canadian and 1,500 American adults who were 18-60 years of age and currently employed full-time, part-time or self-employed. The interview dates were between March 7-16, 2018. As online surveys are not considered random probability samples, no margin of error was assigned.